Commi-TEA-ment to Finishing Well

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

(2 TIMOTHY 4:7, ESV)

Finishing well. Faithfulness in the long haul. 

in previous verses of chapter 4, Paul had exhorted Timothy to preach the word, to endure all for the sake of the sake of the gospel. Paul, himself, had put his life's effort into completing the "course" which God had set before him and now his time for departure had come. (death) Paul left nothing undone. He remained committed to the faith.

Faithfulness: a long obedience in the same direction. (Cole Huffman)

No cuppa mediocri-TEA served by Paul. He chose a cuppa full commi-TEA-ment until the end. He had poured his life into Timothy---for the sake of the gospel.

What "tea" is in your cuppa faith? Mediocri-TEA or full commi-TEA-ment? Something to ponder in the New Year.

God's Word : His tes-TEA-monies

Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season.
(2 Timothy 4:2, NASB)

How can one preach or teach God's Word if they don't know it?

Maybe a BIG cuppa of commitment (commi-TEA-ment) to unearth truth (tea-ruth) by beginning to study the Bible is the first step. A desire to seek the treasures (tea-reasures) within. God's Word is his tes-TEA-mony cuppa. A cuppa purity. (puri-TEA) (Psalm 119:140)

In Psalm 119 one can discover many aspects of God's word, whether it's called the commandments, law, precepts, statutes, truth, or testimony----foundational for understanding the importance of knowing and keeping God's word. Knowing His word can enable one to "teach" or share with others.

In season and out of season is the "readiness" aspect of one's sharing of truth---occurring in God's timing.
Readiness is an offensive maneuver. As Katherine A. reminded me that in the description of "the full armor of God" in Ephesians 6:13-17---all are defensive weapons,  EXCEPT for God's Word. It is the sword of the Spirit and it is our tactical (Tac-TEA-cal) gear for offense.

God's word is the whole counsel of God. It is needed in its entire-TEA---not taken out of context.

God's tes-TEA-mony, a cuppa shared fully with others in His timing.

Commi-TEA-ment to Ministry

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:5, NLT)

How does one know if she is fully carrying out her God given ministry? She just keeps loving Him and serving Him by loving and serving others.

Sometimes ministry goes beyond one's street to meet someone at her point of need elsewhere in the community. The cuppa minis-TEA-ry might look a little different at each turn but if one seeks to bless those whom God has put in her path, even 45+ years ago,  she will serve them on their terms, according to their needs and their desires.

A cuppa minis-TEA-ry might be sweet, iced and served with 2 slices of lemon if one really seeks to serve another according to the recipient's pleasure. Whatever it takes. Whatever it looks like. Pleasing others in the household of faith pleases Him.**

**This blog was written early today as a result of a hospital visit yesterday. This afternoon I received a call from that long-time friend and sister in Christ, Melody. Her hubby died this afternoon. Such a shock. More ministry is needed for this "young" widow---young enough to have been rice girl at our '69 wedding. I don't know where to begin except on my knees seeking His mercy, comfort and guidance.

Commi-TEA-ment

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:4, NASB)

Week 7's topic for our Heart to Heart Bible Study in 2 Timothy, is "Be committed." I am the scheduled teacher for that session. Once I got past taking that "phrase" a little too personally, envisioning an Alzheimer play-day type setting, my next step also proved personally difficult.

The first direction was: Write "below" a favorite version of 2 Timothy 4:2 to commit to memory.

That alone took days as I kept trying different versions on for my "spiritual size." I wanted the one that fit my heart just right since memorization these days is not my strong point. I never even went to the questions segment of the lesson because I knew I wouldn't be teaching it for another 6-7 weeks.

After the trouble of committing to a favorite version, I realized that I had transposed my numbers and was seeking to memorize the wrong verse.

How like me! I really do need to "be committed" to the home.

But God had used those translations of 2 Timothy 2:4---very NEEDFUL ---as once again I was getting caught up in the minutia of daily life. Those tyrannical urgencies that drive the "already driven" to distraction. I needed to "be committed" to the Lord, my commanding officer. Committed to pleasing Him! Not spinning my wheels in busyness and wasting time.

Maybe I do need to be committed to a facilit-TEA with a memory unit, but if I do end up there, I hope they allow me daily cuppas of  commi-TEA-ment to the One true God. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as I take to preachin'! (2 Timothy 2:4)

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : hones-TEA of commi-TEA-ment

Kyle Idleman, in his book, not a fan., asks the reader for an honest diagnosis of his or her commitment to following Jesus. Even the prologue is gripping in its frankness. Fans want what their "team," group or person to "do" for them. Win for them. Entertain them. Feed them. Christ wants more than that. He desires a deeper level of commitment.

Fans have a tendency to confuse their knowledge for intimacy. They don't recognize the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Jesus. (p. 44) Fans are more focused on the "outside" than the inside. (p.72) 'Everything they do is for show.' (Matthew 23:5, NLT) (p.73)

Throughout the book, the author includes stories of others who wear the label of "not a fan." Real people. Real stories of real commitment.

No Reserves. No retreats. No regrets. (p. 209)

If you want to know if you are a "self-empowered fan" or a spirit-filled follower, Idleman's book will help you answer that question.

Thanks to brother Buddy's gift of this easy to read, yet convicting book, written by the teaching pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY where he attended for several years.

A book that goes great with a cuppa hones-TEA of spiritual introspection.

"Commi-TEA-ment"

 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,.....(Colossians 3:23, KJV)

Commitment is necessary for fruitful growth in both the physical and spiritual realms of life. No where is this seen more clearly than in the physical realm of a garden.

Anyone can plant a garden. I plant. My neighbor Lynda plants. Yet,.....what a difference in the "fruit" of our labors. We both plant---BUT she tends. Faithfully tends. Consistently. Think daily!

Planted, but not "tended."

Well tended.

Our spiritual growth needs tending as well. Too often, in our spiritual lives, we can become self-absorbed, even during time spent with the Lord. Focusing more on our pleas for self than seeking Him. "Self" needs weeding in order for truth to flourish.  Extraneous thoughts need weeding as well. Needless clutter can occur and choke out truth. Tending to our thought life is crucial for spiritual growth.

Commi-TEA-ment is a blend of hear-TEA-ly and consis-TEA-ntly.

Headed back to my prayer chair with my refilled cuppa commi-TEA-ment.